The piano experience consists of instruction in the areas of technique, theory, sight reading, performance and music history. Development of proficiency levels for performance is the goal of the piano program; however, this is a piano lab and not a studio for individual lessons. Piano students must have daily access to a piano or electronic keyboard to participate in the piano program. To successfully meet the standards of the Performing Arts Academy, previous piano experience (lessons) is an asset to students who wish to enter the program.
Our Mission
The mission of the Lafayette Parish Piano Department is to provide each student with the skills needed to experience a lifetime love of music while stimulating creativity and critical thinking and performance skills.
Our Vision
The Lafayette Parish Piano Department will encourage all students to achieve their greatest potential by:
- Valuing a life enriched by the arts
- Linking the academics to the arts through contrast and comparison enhancing the whole student
- Providing an opportunity to select music as a profession
- Encouraging self-discipline in all areas of life through adequate preparation, rehearsals, and performances
- Inspiring students to realize their full artistic potential while equipping them with skills needed to succeed in today’s world.
All piano classes have adopted the MTNA requirements for Preparatory A through Level IV. Students enrolled in Piano 5-7 will adopt the MTNA requirements for Level V (Freshman and Sophomore College Piano Students). Piano students enrolled in Piano 4-6 will be required to perform a solo recital 30-60 minutes in length by year’s end. Additional information can be found at: www.lmta.org.
Piano Performances, Concerts, & Recitals
The piano department will have several concerts and recitals throughout the year, and parents/students will receive written information with these details 4-6 weeks prior to each performance.
Past performances included:
- Halloween Concerts
- Winter Concerts
- Piano Rally Competition
- End of Year Concerts
- Collaborative concerts with the Performing Arts Academy at Ovey Comeaux High School, L.J. Alleman Middle School, and J. Wallace James Elementary School
These concerts are mandatory, as well as all rehearsals. Piano students will receive information about various competitions in state and out of state throughout the school year. Further details will be provided after the LAMTA meeting in late August or early September.
More information can be found at: www.lmta.org Some of these competitions will be required for Piano students in Piano 3-6, as well as those students deemed prepared by the Piano Instructor or the Performing Arts Department Head.
Piano Students Continue to Excel Post Graduation
Past piano students have gone on to attend colleges and universities across the state and received full scholarships to major in piano, as well as organ. Past piano students are currently majoring in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Performance, and Sacred Music throughout Louisiana. Past PAA piano majors have also gone on to study piano out of state and competed in local, state, and national competitions. Past PAA piano majors are also currently working on graduate degrees in music, as well as currently working in the profession teaching lessons, classes, and beyond.
Piano Gallery
